A Star Wars collector guide makes it easier to understand the immensity of collectibles in the world of Hans Solo, Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi and The Force.
Star Wars - The Films
In 1977 when the film Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, by George Lucas was released, it quickly found a place in the hearts and minds of fans everywhere. By the time the next two films in the original Star Wars trilogy were released Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back in 1980 and Return of the Jedi in 1983, Star Wars memorabilia was being sought after by collectors worldwide.
The prequel trilogy, which were the next set of films in the Star War series show events that happened before those in the original trilogy. These films included:
- Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (released in 1999)
- Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (released in 2002)
- Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (released in 2005)
The Range of Star Wars Collectibles
Star Wars collectibles range from character dolls to prepaid telephone cards to life size replicas of Princess Leia. Actually, anything ever made that relates to Star Wars is collectible to someone. Many Star Wars collectors only want items made in the United States while others seek Star Wars merchandise made in Japan. Several of the more popular Japanese Star Wars collectibles include:
- An adorable wind up version R2D2 from 1978
- Lightsabre umbrella by Happunet Corporation
- An R2D2 trashcan
- Takara's R2D2 with missile action
- Takara's X-wing star fighter transformer
- Star Wars black yo-yo's with C-3PO or R2D2's names in gold
- A Darth Vader humidifier
Star Wars Resources
An excellent resource for Star Wars collectibles is The Star Wars Collector's Bible. This alphabetically organized comprehensive hyperlink checklist contains links to all merchandise relating to Star Wars from the United States. Highlights from this website include:
- Hundreds of companies listed in alphabetical order with every product ever made that relates to Star Wars
- A list of Star Wars gift cards
- Lists of Star Wars Fanzines and related magazines, including any magazine with a Star Wars cover or article
- Lists of Home Shopping Network and QVC Star Wars products
- Lists of books, TV shows, music and movies that reference Star Wars
- Foreign Mini-Film Frames
Another valuable resource to any Star Wars collector is the Star Wars Collectors Archive. This Star Wars collecting website, launched in 1994, was the first of its kind on the Internet. This comprehensive website offers valuable information on topics such as how to spot fakes, Kenner Star Wars coins and prototypes. Other features include:
- Featured articles that highlight special interests
- Forums and chat
- Lists of Star Wars clubs throughout the United States
- In depth information on toys, movie memorabilia ands store displays
- An archive database that includes thousands of Star Wars items
More Star Wars Collectors Guides and Resources
There are many excellent Star Wars collectors' resources both off and online. Several of these resources include:
Star Wars Price Guides
Throughout the decades there have been many excellent Star Wars price guides written. The following are only a small sampling of them.
- Star Wars Vintage Action Figures: A Guide for Collectors by John Kellerman
- Official Price Guide to Star Wars Memorabilia by Jeremy Beckett]
- A Universe of Star Wars Collectibles: Identification and Price Guide by Stuart W. Wells III
- Star Wars Collectibles Price Guide by Stephen J. Sunsweet
- A Guide to the Star Wars Universe by Bill Slavicsek
- Tomart's Price Guide to Worldwide Star Wars Collectibles by Stephen Sunsweet.;
Conclusion
Star Wars collectibles range from the useful to whimsical to and everything in between. Whether you collect watches, Pez dispensers, animated figures, birthday cards or cookie jars there are sure to be Star Wars items to add to your collection. If you are a Star Wars collector, expand your collection to include offbeat or unusual items that bring a smile to your heart. If you are new to collecting Star Wars memorabilia, May the Force Be With You as you enjoy your journey through the galaxies as you seek the next special addition to your Star Wars collection.
